Posted on Tuesday, October 31, 2017
First dates are hard to crack, and the tiniest mistakes can break the whole thing; because both parties are nervous and feeling fragile. There is also very little to lose, so if the date doesn't go perfectly, both parties may feel like it is okay not to pursue it any longer.
Don't be a Facebook stalker- We all have that inner stalker and we seem to indulge in it more often than not. Facebook made stalking, much accessible. However, you should resist this urge and not go stalking your date. The information you find will barely be useful, and you might get a bias against them before even getting to meet them. First impressions are important to give them a chance to make that first impression before looking up everything they have done and said.
Being a diva- Just be you, don't do things or buy clothes you wouldn't wear on a regular night out with friends. Yes, you want to look your best, but you don't want to go overboard. First of all, it will make you seem like a huge diva and the worst part is that it isn't even who you are.
Being a slob- There is also such a thing as not being prepared enough for a first date. After all, you are making a first impression, and you do want to put your best foot out. Put an effort and see what happens, no excuses for not getting ready.
Talking too much- You will be talking, and that is the whole purpose of a first date, but you need to know how much and how often. If you start babbling and talking none stop that is not cool. We are sure you have great stories to tell but give your date a chance to talk about her stories as well. You don't want to hog the conversation, they will get uninterested, and you won't get another date to tell more of your stories.
Being silent- Awkward silences will occur no matter how hard you try, and will random babblings. However, it is important to allow conversations to flow organically and don't force anything onto them. Once those silences occur what you can do is further the conversation by starting new subjects. You can ask questions as:
Tell me about...
How do you...
What inspired you to...
Why...
What's the best part of...
Have you... / Did you...
Not being original- Getting out of your comfort zone is important, so don't bring your dates to the same spot every single time. No one wants to feel like they are this week's treat. Be original and come up with new places and new adventures and make your date feel important and special.
Acting like an interviewer- Yes, you want to know as much about them as possible, and asking questions is the best way to get to know them. However, don't treat them like you are interviewing them for a position. Get to know each other organically.
Being late- Do not be late for your first date that is crucial because you can't change that first impression. Set your alarm and get there early. Being late implies you don't have your life together and you didn't care about this date too much.
Forgetting your wallet or purse- You may not have done it on purpose but this is your first date, and they do not know what you were thinking, so come in prepared. If this happens, offer to pay the next time (an opportunity to get a second date) and offer to pay your half using Venmo or any other electronic way. To not let this happen again, you can create a first date kit in your car. Make a bag and fill it in with: cash, Listerine, hairbrush, etc. whatever you may need before, during, and end of a date. Coming in prepared is always important.
Talking about your ex- Just don't. Ex-talk may come up, and that is okay if you are both talking about past relationships. But moderation is important, just talk briefly and close the subject appropriately. You are on your first and trying to figure each other out romantically and there should be no need to talk about your past relationships for hours.
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For more articles, check out our blog posts. If you are ready to find the one for you, sign up or log in to your Waplog profile and date until you drop. Have fun.
